Cruel grandmother jailed for starving and neglecting dog

Boof, who was eight, was left tethered to a chain just 1.5m long for weeks on end, denied flea treatment which gave him a skin condition and suffered a secondary skin condition, the Maryborough Magistrates Court heard.RSPCA

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A GRANDMOTHER spent the first of many nights behind bars for neglecting her mastiff cross shar pei dog so severely the RSPCA was forced to euthanise the dog on humane grounds.

Boof, who was eight, was left tethered to a chain just 1.5m long for weeks on end, denied flea treatment which gave him a skin condition and suffered a secondary skin condition, the Maryborough Magistrates Court heard.

When RSPCA inspectors seized the dog in January last year, Boof also had pus oozing from his eyes, had untreated ear infections, dragged his back legs due to untreated injury and was so thin his ribs were clearly visible.

Boof also had a permanent indentation in the back of his neck from being chained for long periods of time.

Jacqueline Williams, 45, who pleaded guilty to four charges of failing to provide for an animal was jailed for three months by Magistrate John Smith.

Solicitor Samantha Mackay, who acted for the RSPCA, said the dog was treated for 12 days before it was determined the injuries were so severe the only option was to euthanise Boof.

Ms Mackay said the RSPCA was first called to Williams' Maryborough home in 2010 after it had been reported the dog had been left on a chain for weeks, and the organisation repeatedly checked on Boof's welfare after complaints before finally removing him in 2014.

Williams, who represented herself in court, said she had done all she could to help the dog but her partner at the time, who was a part owner of the dog, refused to get him treatment.

Williams, who now lives in Burleigh Heads, said she loved the dog but Mr Smith did not agree.

"I would hate to see you with an animal that you don't care for," he said.

"Some people should not have a pet and you are one of those people."

When Mr Smith ordered the prison sentence, Williams began to cry and pleaded to be fined instead.

Mr Smith determined a fine was not appropriate as Williams had no capacity to pay.

Williams will be released on parole on October 8.

Prior to the sentence a man who walked Williams to the courthouse hurled abuse at media and threatened a cameraman.

RSPCA Wide Bay Inspector Penny Flaherty said she got to know Boof well and he was "a lovely dog".

"This acknowledges all the pain and suffering (he went through)," she said.